Reviews

Praise for Not One Dollar More!

Excerpts here are from hundreds of comments and letters from homebuyers, media, critics and consumer advocates in praise of the first and second editions of Not One Dollar More! Readers’ full names are withheld for privacy but are on file with the respective publishers.

What the Critics and Consumer Advocates Said

American Consumers Association

‘Worth its weight in gold. Every house in the nation should have this book
NOW!’

Tony Robbins, Author of Money: Master the Game and Unshakeable

Jordan Clark, Consumer Advocate

‘No contest — the best! A consumer milestone. On-target, easy to understand. Puts power in the hands of the consumer.’

James Scott Tiernan, Jr, Consumer Advocate

‘Worth its weight in gold. One of the great books on personal finance. Shows how to get a great deal and reads like a novel. A gift to consumers – 5 stars!’

Bruce Hahn, President, American Homeowners Foundation

‘Few book writers can put money into your pocket. Here’s one who can! Cummins is surely the new master of negotiation, and a gifted writer. Certainly the best and most enjoyable book on home buying. Inspiring!’

Marc Eisenson, Author of The Banker’s Secret

Kathleen Smith, Author of Prosperity Reigns

‘An outrageously good book! Read well what Cummins writes, it could make all the difference.’

Sam Alexander, Consumer Advocate

‘DON’T loan this book. You won’t get it back!’

Philadelphia Daily News

‘A wealth of detail as it takes you right up to the settlement table.’

Dr Wayne Dyer, Author of Your Erroneous Zones

‘Not One Dollar More! — a book with great promise for homebuyers.’

TV Review

‘A blueprint for saving money. None of the complexity or tedious language of other money books. The reader is helped with examples and entertaining anecdotes that communicate important know-how.’

San Jose Mercury News

‘Real estate agents and sellers should also study this book’

Denver Post

’Not One Dollar More! Sound Advice!’

Business Radio Network

‘Terrific! An excellent book.’

Cable News Television

‘A wonderful money guide for homebuyers and those who long to be.’

Philadelphia Inquirer

‘Shows clearly how to buy a home without paying too much for it.’

Bob Pisani, CNBC TV, Host of ‘Money Talk’

‘An indispensable book!’

George Chamberlin, KCEO Radio, San Diego, CA

‘This really is a GREAT book!’

HomeBase

‘Outstanding! Secrets of invisible negotiation and getting the best deal.’

What Readers Said

Peter and Diane, Pittsburgh, PA

‘We are grateful to you and your book for saving us $24,000. We will recommend Not One Dollar More! to other homebuyers. Many thanks!!!!’

D.L.T., Attorney-at-Law, NC

‘So much better than anything else written on the subject.’

Caitlin and Doug, MA

‘With the help of Bill Wendel’s Real Estate Cafe (Cambridge, MA) and Not One Dollar More! we got $33,000 off the asking price of $275,000. The book is such an incredible resource for first-time homebuyers like ourselves.’

R.T.H. Jr, San Diego, CA

‘Joseph Eamon Cummins is sharp and so good to read, a wonderfully interesting writer. He should be writing in the Los Angeles Times or some big daily newspaper like that.’

M.R. LeB., Attorney-at-Law, St Paul, MN

‘Your Not One Dollar More! is just extraordinary as a resource for buyers. I’m an attorney-broker providing negotiation and consulting services to home buyers. Your book has elevated the profession. BRAVO!’

Ron A. C., Rochester, PA

‘Not One Dollar More! gave me confidence, reminded me that I’m in charge, not the real estate agent, not the seller, but me and my cash.’

B.Y., Woburn, MA

‘Fantastic book! Details I never saw or heard before. Everybody should read this book, buyers and sellers. Have recommended it to everyone.’

Matt B, (by email)

‘Your book has been truly a revelation to me. I cannot thank you enough for the skill with which you make the know-how accessible. Unfortunately, I made a bad mistake before reading your fantastic book!’

Guy D., Wedowee, AL

‘I wish I had this information 25 or 30 years ago. It would have made a big difference to my finances. One thing is for certain, I’ll make sure my son reads it.’

J.I., Philadelphia, PA

‘Creating wealth is hard. I’ve read all kinds of books searching for good answers. This book fills a definite need, the know-how of creating personal wealth. It’s reliable, down to earth, and best of all, has great concrete examples (and) anecdotes.’

G. and D. R., Ft Wayne, IN

‘Upon arriving in Indiana, we had two weeks to find a home before I started work. We followed the book’s suggestions, looked at 34 homes. We offered $92,000 on a house listed at $110,000. We bought it at $97,000, a singlestory rancher two miles outside town. You saved us $13,000!’

Evelyn and Gil B., York, ME

‘Thank you for a fascinating book!’

Chris M., Mays Landing, NJ (from Amazon.com)

‘EXCELLENT!! Inspirational, easy to read, a great confidence builder, advice only your best friend would give you, if only they knew it. BRAVO!’

E.L., Los Angeles, CA (from Amazon.com)

‘Don’t be another real estate victim! This book provides the tools with which to fight back. Mr Cummins weaves concepts and real-life illustrations together to create an informative, inspiring book.’

Sue T., New York, NY

‘An excellent book. Reading it every day looking for a home. Using your suggestions we’ve already been able to get reductions in asking prices.’

A reader from New York City, (from Amazon.com)

‘Absolutely the best! A unique perspective on home buying. Empowers you to select, negotiate and buy — or reject! — a home on YOUR terms.’

Bob Y. Woburn, MA

‘Everybody should read this book — buyers and sellers.’

Bob R, Arlington Heights, IL

‘I’m in commercial real estate. I found the book fascinating. Excellent negotiation tips and a wealth of great information. I could not have asked for a better book.’

Amazon Reviews and Readers’ Letters

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

Highly Recommended . . .
Excellent, very comprehensive. Rather than just explaining how to negotiate, the author provides many sample dialogues to refer to, which I found extremely useful. All different situations are covered. I definitely recommend this book for anyone planning to negotiate a home purchase.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

Fantastic!
As a trainer for new agents . . . I am using the chapters on negotiating to help them learn how to help their clients negotiate the best deal. Negotiating does not come naturally for most people and these chapters will help almost everyone. I am buying it a second time because one of my agents liked it so much they wouldn’t give it back to me! All home buyers should also read this book. An educated buyer working with a buyer’s agent is the best way to buy real estate in the US today!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

Do NOT buy a house without reading this book . . . All hyperbole aside, this book saved me six figures on my home purchase! I cannot encourage you enough to read this book before beginning your home search.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

Very informative!
An easy read. Thought provoking and if you follow it, it works. Saved us a few thousand when shopping for a loan and gave me courage to negotiate, which also saved us some cash.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

Excellent for learning negotiation in business & real estate
Excellent book! Bought copies for friends (rare event) because it’s so informative about sales psychology overall – not just real estate. You may get this book for buying real estate, but after reading it you’ll be quite informed about buying anything else where negotiation is involved. The book has saved me lots of $$$. It’s an easy read too.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

Reading it again As a result of what I learned from this book (and also by not using a realtor), I saved $25K on a $185K house. I also used the techniques in negotiations during a car purchase and during salary negotiations for a new job. Best 17 bucks I ever spent. I bought this book four years ago when I was shopping for my first house. I got fed up with my realtor and decided I didn’t need one, as long as I could handle the negotiations myself. So I turned to this book. The book is geared toward using a realtor or buying agent, but I found everything was just as applicable when ‘going it alone’. Especially some of the resources listed in the back. It’s a very easy book to read and it doesn’t try to make you a slick rapid-fire negotiator. It teaches you very simple yet effective techniques that may be common sense to some readers but they weren’t to me. Admittedly, Cummins is repetitive in his messages, but I think the repetition serves to firmly ingrain the techniques in your mind so when you do actually get in front of the seller or agent, you don’t let your emotions get the best of you. Now I’m starting to look for my second house, so I’m re-reading the book (and going without an agent again). I’m holding onto the first house as a rental, but I hope that if I ever have to sell, it’s not to a buyer who’s read this book!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

Must-have for a homebuyer (especially first time)
This book is a very easy and entertaining read that is extremely useful for understanding how real estate agents work, how to deal with them and how to negotiate. Although specifically aimed at home buying, the principles can be extended to almost anything. The principles are frequently repeated but are usually expanded upon with more detail or anecdotes. The book is not just general principles. It shows you how to apply the specific principles through talk and action. For example, you might say X if the seller raises objection Y. The book is educational and the principles learned will inspire confidence — the confidence that you will not overpay for your home.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

This book was eye-opening for a complete amateur like me
There I was ready to bid my hard earned money away like crazy, ignoring the signs being given off by the seller and agent . . . and then I found this book. It taught me a number of vital lessons in negotiating a good house price: 1. Shut up! the power of silence and perceived disinterest; 2. Patience – all good things come to those who wait; 3. You, a genuine buyer, are absolute gold dust to a seller and their agent – leverage that power; 4. There isn’t ‘another buyer’ – you’re it! and no, it won’t be ‘stolen out from under your nose’. Best $15 I have spent in many a day — now all I need to do is make sure they agree to my price and close!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

A Must Read For First Time Home Buyers
Thank you, Mr. Cummins! In today’s inflated housing market this book is the light at the end of the tunnel. Every home-buyer should educate him/herself by reading this book. It is amazing how many people over pay for their dream home. Remember (traditional) real estate brokers, agents and home sellers are not your friends; their goal is to make you part with as much of your hard-earned cash as you are willing to give them.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

Saved me a Bundle
Never would I have even tried bidding on the house I eventually bought, it was so far out of my range. This book made me give it a try, and I negotiated down a whopping $50,000 less than the asking price. I’m not a natural bargainer, but the book showed me how to conduct myself from first walk-through to signing.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

UNBELIEVABLE!
My first impression in reading this book was one of amazement, that it took me 38 YEARS being in business to learn what’s between the covers of this little gem. No telling where I’d be today if I’d bought this book 38 years ago. GET IT, READ IT, AND LIVE IT, you may well find yourself 38 years ahead in life.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

A First Time Homebuyer MUST-GET!
As a first time buyer I am very pleased I picked up this book. It really gives you the insight of the whole real estate process. It will also provide some excellent lessons learned from someone who knows the industry!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

The Selling Agent’s Worst Nightmare
If you’re buying a home for the first time, whether it’s an investment or primary residence, read this book. Plain and simple.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

Great Book!
I never thought the techniques would work. I shaved (some money) off the asking price. It’s worth its weight in gold.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 STARS: Verified Purchase

Methodical, with easily-understood worked examples
Sellers have a professional acting for them (the estate agent) which gives them the advantage, so here is a book which helps redress the balance by offering valuable advice to the hapless purchaser. I found the book’s US slant did not distract too much from the useful advice. For me the most useful bits are the role-plays — they illustrate how to play the negotiation game in a very simple yet effective way. The book does seem to advocate a ‘go in strong and low’ approach to making offers. This requires nerve, but it’s a wonderful antidote to ever-increasing optimistic sellers’ prices and I reckon even the most seasoned house buyer should be able to learn something from this book.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

A Must-have for every House Buyer
Save yourself some money when buying a house and learn all the techniques explained here; it is gonna save you a lot of money. Besides, you are gonna learn a lot of valuable information about buying and selling property.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

Not One Dollar More!
This book is like a good teacher!
I’m a teacher. I read material of all types, usually to learn about a new interest or how to do something. First time I read this book (three years ago) I found it hard to stop reading. It contains lots of brief and interesting stories that illustrate the most important points — how to protect your money, how not to be bluffed, how to offer what you decide, how to respond to your offer being rejected, and so on. But that wasn’t the real test; when I went looking for a new house (nervously, I may add) I discovered that what I had read had stayed with me! I wasn’t struggling to remember what the book said I should do. The stories just popped into view. Then the reason for this came to me: the author is a natural teacher — a rarity, in my view — in addition he writes well. He employs extremely smart teaching techniques to make sure you don’t just ‘learn and forget’, what most of our schools do with our kids, and just about every how-to author. It is also a pleasant, easy read. A different kind of book; no jargon or author bragging so common today in our celebrity-focused society. And it’s a practical book. The end result: I negotiated very successful deals on two houses (sold my first, just purchased my second) that I would never have attempted without knowing what I learned from this book. It definitely does ‘take you by the hand’ through the negotiation skills. My only criticism, I would like to see a DVD accompanying it, particularly one presented by the author personally. That would be the icing on the cake!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

Absolutely the best!
Not One Dollar More! provides a unique perspective on home buying, insight into the roles and motivations of the many individuals involved in a real estate transaction. Empowers you, the homebuyer, to select, negotiate and buy (or reject!) a home on YOUR terms.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 STARS: Verified Purchase

Don’t be another real estate victim!
Feeling like a lamb to the slaughter? This book provides the tools to fight back. Mr Cummins weaves concepts and real-life illustrations together to create an informative, inspiring book.

Letters from Readers (a few out of hundreds)

Bob Williamson, Professional Coach and Trainer to the Mortgage Industry www.CoachBobWilliamson.com

As a business coach to mortgage brokers and bankers, part of my job is to inspire my clients to provide more value to their customers. If a lender can provide information like that contained in your book to their home buying customers, it can make a significant difference to the homebuyers’ financial well-being. As you say in your book, the homebuyer is the most under-represented party in a real estate transaction. Not One Dollar More! goes a long way toward leveling the playing field, and I’m happy to recommend it to my lender clients who want to provide the best possible service to their home buying customers. Best wishes for your continued success.

Ron A. C., Rochester, PA

Thank You! I recently purchased Not One Dollar More!. It has been informative and motivating. Thanks for your great book!

Peter and Diane F, Pittsburgh, PA

Mr Cummins, my husband and I are first-time buyers. We learned a tremendous amount from your book and truly enjoyed reading it. Here’s what happened. The sellers wanted $269,000 for a house we loved; we offered $229,000 attaching a list of comparables. They countered at $260,00 with their own list, which weren’t really comparables at all. To be brief, we made increased offers up to $240,000 and they came down to $253,000. We could not afford to go that high. They ended the negotiation. A few weeks went by, then the agent contacted us with their ‘final’ price of $247,000. We went up to $245,000, which they accepted. My husband and I discussed what might have happened had we not read your book. If we had been really ‘daring’ we’d have begun by offering $240,000 (rather than $229,000) and would have ended up paying at least $255,000, even more. We’re very grateful to you. You and your book saved us $24,000! Thank you so much, we wish you continued success. Not One Dollar More! is a very useful tool.

Kathryn M. K., PA

I’m writing to thank you for all the help your book has given me. I’m a teacher. I felt you’d be interested in my story. I found a house listed at $110,000 (a neighbor told me it had originally been listed at $128,000). That same day I heard someone on KDKA Radio talking about your book. I ordered it immediately, then began making a note of recent sales, like you advised. Similar homes were selling from $90,000 up. The seller was a real estate agent. My lawyer approved my offer and helped with your ‘stall and crawl’ phase. On September 2nd I made my first offer, $92,000. The seller countered at $103,000. I delayed three days before giving my next offer, $94,000. She countered at $101,500. I said I was interested in seeing another house. A few days later I offered $95,500 and said it was my final offer. The seller asked for the weekend to consider it. On Tuesday the agent called to tell me it had been accepted. I’d been fully expecting another round of negotiations. By having the confidence your book gave me, I was able to buy the home for $11,500 below list price, all the more incredible since I was dealing with two seasoned real estate agents. Proof positive it can be done. Thank you again.

Letter to Baltimore Sun

My husband and I purchased a home on a wintry day late in November in the DC area and went to settlement on a warm spring day in March. Then seven years later we both retired, we scaled down to an apartment in Bowie, once again we put our deposit down in the first week in December and moved in on February 27. We negotiated good ‘winter’ deals on each occasion, guided on each step by Not One Dollar More!, the book you featured by Joseph Éamon Cummins, which I found a great help and easy reading.